History of consumer demand theory 1871-1971: A Neo-Kantian rational reconstruction

Abstract

This paper examines the history of the neoclassical theory of consumer demand from 1871 to 1971 by bringing into play the knowledge theory of the Marburg School, a Neo-Kantian philosophical movement. The work aims to show the usefulness of a Marburg-inspired epistemology in rationalizing the development of consumer analysis and, more generally, to understand the principles that regulate the process of knowing in neoclassical economics.Consumer Theory, Demand Theory, Utility Theory, Neo- Kantianism, Marburg School